Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation method. Two small electrodes placed on the scalp deliver a very mild, painless electrical current to a chosen part of the brain. It involves no surgery, no anaesthesia and no hospital stay. At Adarsh Brain Care 360, Ashiyana, Lucknow, led by Dr. Adarsh Tripathi, neuromodulation is offered under the guidance of the treating psychiatrist, and Dr. Aditya Agrawal has a special interest in it.
Who may be considered
tDCS is used as an add-on, not as a first-line replacement for medicines or therapy. It is discussed mainly for people whose symptoms have not improved enough with standard treatment, or who cannot tolerate medicine side effects. Conditions where it is studied include depression, OCD, some anxiety disorders and certain other psychiatric conditions. Evidence is stronger for some conditions than others, and we tell you honestly what is known and what is not.
What a session is like
- An assessment by the psychiatrist comes first; not everyone is suitable
- Sessions are short, usually around 20 to 30 minutes, and you stay awake and seated
- You may feel mild tingling or itching under the electrodes
- A course normally needs several sessions over a few weeks, and you carry on with your usual treatment
- You can go back to routine activities the same day
Safety
tDCS is generally well tolerated. Side effects such as skin redness, headache or tiredness are usually mild and short-lived. Tell the doctor if you have epilepsy, metal implants in the head, skin disease on the scalp or are pregnant, because these change the advice. Results vary between people, and we do not promise a cure. Meet our doctors.
Ansal Nest, K1-61, near Aashiyana Thana, Sector K, Ashiyana, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226012
Dr. Adarsh Tripathi: Mon–Fri 10 am–5 pm, Sat–Sun 10 am–2 pm
Dr. Aditya Agrawal: Mon–Sat 4–8 pm
Psychiatrist consultation ₹800 · Online consultation ₹1,000 · Therapy session ₹1,200
Common questions
Does tDCS hurt?
No. Most people feel a mild tingle for the first minute and then little or nothing.
Can I stop my medicines if I take tDCS?
No. Never stop medicines on your own. The psychiatrist decides whether to adjust them as you improve.
How do I know if tDCS is right for me?
Book a consultation. The doctor reviews your diagnosis, treatment so far and any safety concerns before recommending it.
If you are in crisis or thinking of harming yourself, call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or go to the nearest emergency department. We are an outpatient clinic and not an emergency service.